CATCHING Synonyms: 407 Similar and Opposite Words

catching 1 of 2

adjective

ˈka-chiŋ

Definition of catching

as in infectious

capable of being passed by physical contact from one person to another a cold is often catching before the symptoms even begin

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in spreading

exciting a similar feeling or reaction in others a catching smile that instantly puts patients at ease

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catching

2 of 2

verb

present participle of catch

as in grabbing

to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly we tried to catch the kitten before she could sneak out the door

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as in getting

to become affected with (a disease or disorder) you'll catch the flu for sure if you don't get a shot

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as in stopping

to bring (something) to a standstill I caught myself just as I was about to step into the freshly poured concrete

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as in securing

to put securely in place or in a desired position caught back her hair with a barrette

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as in knowing

to have a clear idea of I didn't catch the point you were making about our nation's foreign policy

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as in tricking

to cause to believe what is untrue a number of media outlets were caught by the woman's hard-luck story

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as in encountering

to come upon face-to-face or as if face-to-face I'll catch you at the library tomorrow

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as in noticing

to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes I looked out the window just in time to catch the neighbor's dog digging up my flower bed

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as in chasing

to move fast enough to get even with despite the suspect's considerable lead, the fleet-footed police officer was able to catch him and make an arrest

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

falling short

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of catching

Adjective

The Braves gained four years and millions of dollars by substituting Olson for Freeman at first base – even though one of those traded was slugging catching prospect Shea Langeliers. — Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2026 The designs are eye catching and beautiful, inspired by South Florida's beaches and ocean water. — Najahe Sherman, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026

Verb

After their discovery, police monitored the position in hopes of catching the perpetrators. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 21 Aug. 2026 Today, the cameras spotted Bucky Dent catching a salmon that looked pretty determined to swim away. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catching

Recent Examples of Synonyms for catching

Adjective

On a recent episode of Therapuss, all Jake Shane needed to say was the word Boston and the episode’s guest, singer Role Model, began to croon Lefty’s infectious chorus.

— Abigail Sylvor Greenberg, Vanity Fair, 21 Aug. 2026
He is being remembered for his infectious smile, magnetic personality, and for being grounded in his faith.

— Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of infectious

Verb

One of the more memorable instances finds Cole grabbing an open padlock off a door and using it to belt an opponent across the face before hooking the shackle into the dude’s mouth and using it to rip open his cheek.

— Alison Willmore, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2026
But everything points to his being ready for Week 1, and Jones already didn’t run as much between the 10s last year, so a free ticket on a potential fringe-QB1 is worth grabbing.

— Jake Ciely, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of grabbing

Verb

Striking out on her own was a difficult transition, but embracing her solitude gave her the space to learn more about herself and make her own personal decisions, such as getting her cat or making meals of her choosing.

— Amen Galinato, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
The storm dumped more than a foot of rain over parts of the state, with the highest elevations getting more than 40 inches.

— Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of getting

Verb

The ruling was due in part to Skoro's help securing the arrests of al Qaeda, al Shabaab and Hezbollah members, his lawyers claim.

— Josh Boswell, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Ramdin said priorities are securing the main route to the main international airport; ensuring ongoing access to the airport and seaport; and restoring safe access to Haiti’s southern region.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of securing

Verb

After games, watch out for the players craving french fries at Newbury Park and knowing someone to seek out who can help.

— Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
The Chiefs’ running game was so listless that defenses ignored fake handoffs and instead retreated to defend the pass, knowing the consequences of guessing wrong weren’t all that punishing anyway.

— Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of knowing

Verb

Proponents argue this reveals the AI's full capabilities, including potential for cyberattacks, while critics warn of severe risks like AI wreaking havoc, creating viruses, or tricking humans.

— Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
ClickFix works by tricking you into performing an action on your computer that stealthily downloads and installs malware.

— Alan Henry, PC Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026